Episode Details

Andrew Mondragon — Marine veteran, dad, husband, oilfield worker — was diagnosed with end-stage liver disease in June 2025. Dropped from 317 to 190 lbs. MELD score 29. Accepted for liver transplant eval at OHSU. Still cracking jokes while fighting for his life and family.

He shares the raw truth: the first signs (back pain, yellow eyes, 14 liters of fluid drained), functional alcoholism (4 shots Fireball + 2 beers nightly), denial, shame, family guilt, Marine Corps influence on suppressing emotions, and his current optimism despite the waiting game.

If you're facing addiction, liver issues, or watching someone you love go through it then this episode is for you. Real, no sugarcoating, full of fight.

Trigger Warning: Liver failure, addiction, family impact, transplant discussion.
Help is available: 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) | 1-800-662-HELP (SAMHSA) | befrienders.org (international)

Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro & Andrew's Story
01:00 – First Signs (March 2025 – Back Pain & Yellow Eyes)
04:00 – Diagnosis: Decompensated Liver Cirrhosis
05:30 – Mental Fog, Fluid Buildup, MELD 29
07:00 – Andrew's Background: Marine Corps, Oil Fields, Sheriff
09:00 – Functional Alcoholism & Denial
12:00 – Transplant Reality & Survivor's Guilt
15:00 – Positive Outlook & Future Hope
18:00 – Family Impact & Kids
20:00 – The Waiting Game & Paracentesis
22:00 – Fears & Cellular Memory
25:00 – Message to Viewers Fighting Addiction

Follow Andrew: @komododrew (Instagram)
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